The Maa Mahamaya Airport located in Darima has successfully completed its testing flight, marking a historic moment for the city of Ambikapur. Health Minister T S Singhdeo and other dignitaries, including Chairman of Medicinal Plants Board Balkrishna Pathak and Chairman of Labor Welfare Board Shafi Ahmed, were present to witness the event.

The test flight, which was taken from Raipur, landed at the Airport at 3:16 pm, with Captain Arpit Balyan and Captain Abhay Sharma as pilots. Captain Balyan commended the excellent visibility and runway, stating that even the biggest aircraft can land and take off comfortably. The inspection team, which included five members of the Aviation Department, left for Raipur after conducting a two-hour inspection of the runway, terminal building, and other facilities. The Health Minister has been closely monitoring the progress of the airport, and after discussions with the Aviation Department, he announced that the DGCA team would conduct the final inspection between May 9 and 12. Once the inspection is complete, the airport will be issued a C-3 grade license, and 72 to 80 seater planes will be able to operate at the airport easily.

Congress workers, led by Labor Welfare Board President Shafi Ahmed and District Congress Committee President Rakesh Gupta, gave a grand welcome to the technical team upon their arrival for the testing. The team was greeted with flower garlands and drums, and they were also presented with a welcome kit. On learning about the test flight landing In-charge Minister of Surguja Shiv Dahariya, Fertiliser Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, MLA Dr Preetam Ram and others reached the airport and welcomed the team. Successful landing of the testing flight at Maa Mahamaya Airport represents a significant development for the transportation infrastructure in Surguja.